Arai Vx-Pro3 Vs. Shoei Vfx-W
Arai VX-Pro3 vs. Shoei VFX-W
CW EVALUATION
Aral VX-Pro3
Arai Helmet Americas, Inc.
$530-$660
Shoel VFX-W
Shoel Safety Helmet Corp.
$420-$593
Two top-of-the-line dirt helmets go head-to-head
WHEN IT COMES TO PREMIUM OFF-road helmets, there are currently just two players: Arai and Shoei. Question is, how do they stack up against each other in the heat of battle? To find the answer, we ordered two examples of each model and headed to the moto-cross track and our favorite trails.
DETAILS Arai Helmet Americas, Inc. 610/366-7220 www.araiamericas.com Price: $530-$660 Fit and function without peer Lightweight, made by hand Closeable vents rDowns Year after year, looks much the same Neck pad not removable Through-the-roof pricing
In some respects, the Arai VX-Pro3 and the Shoei VFX-W are identical. Both were introduced within the last 18 months. Both are made by hand at their respective factories in Japan using proprietary materials. Both have large eyeports that allow good peripheral vision and accommodate a variety of goggle sizes. Both have perspirationwicking, removable, washable interiors, and attachment screws and visors that are engineered to break away upon impact. Chin, forehead and exhaust vents are standard, as are emergency cheek-pad release systems and D-ring-style chin straps with snap-down retainers. Further, both are DOTand Snell M2010-approved and offered in six sizes-XS-XXL.
On the CW scales, the VX-Pro3 weighed 2 pounds, 13.73 ounces. Fit is subjective, but both testers praised comfort. From the log: “Everything about the Arai is nice. I could sleep wearing this helmet. It feels like a natural part of my head-just slide it on and cinch down the chin strap.”
Testers also liked the Arai’s small overall size, rounded chinbar and lack of sharp ridges that could get hung up on obstacles in a crash. In addition, the intake vents can be closed, a welcome feature when the mercury drops.
Newer of the two designs, the Shoei VFX-W was slightly heavier at 3 pounds, 2.52 ounces. The oval-shaped opening is narrow, but once in place, the helmet molds to your head. Fit, like with the Arai, is excellent, albeit a tad more snug and with a couple caveats. One tester felt the chinstrap was located too far forward. To keep it securely in place, he had to tighten the strap to the point of discomfort. The same tester also complained that after wearing the helmet for several days in a row, he developed a rash on his neck from constant contact with the lower portion of the cheek pads.
Even so, if this comparison were based solely on the interiors of these two helmets, the Shoei would likely win because its Max-Dry 3D liner is a bit easier to work with, clean and reinstall than Arai’s Dry-Cool liner. Also, the neck pad is removable and, therefore, replaceable. The same pad on the Arai is not removable, and it began to deteriorate after several months of regular use.
DETAI Shoei Safety Helmet Corp. 3002 Dow Ave. #128 Tustin, CA 92780 714/730-0941 www.shoei-helmets.com Price: $420-$593 -Ups Aggressive, contemporary styling Lots of colors and graphics options Interior beautifully engineered ,owns Chin-strap placement too far forward Vents flow well, though not as well as those on the Arai Hot, new graphics make riding gear look dated
Both the Arai VX-Pro3 and the Shoei VFX-W are outstanding off-road helmets-comfortable, well-designed, protective and brimming with features. But based on its significantly lower base price, heightened interior qualities and, to a smaller degree, a greater selection of available graphics, the VFXW is our winner.
